Routine water change, not so much ! - Aquarium Advice

JoshsReef · 07-08-2008, 10:42 PM

So my normal routine water change turned out to be five hours long today when i decided to replace my bulbs in my power compact fixture. For starter some how i crack the plastic covering that covers up the lights. Since I dont cover my tank, and salt seems to somehow get all over my fixture i decided it would prob be a very bad idea to leave the fixture open. I ran to lowes and picked up a sheet of plexi glass, had to cut it, however it did all work out and I have that piece replaced now. So then I decided to take out the bulbs, low and behold I bust two of the eight rubberbands that keep the bulbs in place. I set the fixture up, the bulbs are in place and it doesnt look as if they are going to fall out. Do I need to replace these rubberbands or will I be ok. If I need to replace them will just a regular rubberband do?

Innovator · 07-08-2008, 10:51 PM

What brand of fixture do you have? I've called Coralife before and they've sent me free bands; however, you can purchase bands for relatively little online or in a lfs. Call a few lfs to see what they have in stock

Fluff · 07-08-2008, 10:57 PM

Are these what you need?
Coralife Aqualight 4 High-Heat Silicon Retaining Bands (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Lighting > Accessories > Endcaps > Power Compact )
I've ordered dry goods many times from marinedepot.com and have been super happy each time.

JoshsReef · 07-08-2008, 11:05 PM

I have a coralife fixture. Those are exactly the bands that I do need but I just cant see a reason to place an order for just that, and I just recieved a big order from an online dealer the otherday. I will check the lfs in a day or two, should I be ok without them for a while? If the lights are still in place without them - will they stay in place?

Innovator · 07-08-2008, 11:08 PM

They should stay in place as long as the clips are secure and snap in place until you can find replacement bands.

SpeedEuphoria · 07-08-2008, 11:59 PM

Plexiglass tends to discolor and become brittle over time. I'm not sure if that is the exact material that came on the fixture. Normally Lexan is a better choice b/c it does not do this. This is coming from an automotive background so not sure how it applies to aquariums. Except that I have read that plexiglass is normally a bad choice for a hood/cover because of what I mentioned and it can sag with weight.

Kurt_Nelson · 07-09-2008, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshsReef

I have a coralife fixture. Those are exactly the bands that I do need but I just cant see a reason to place an order for just that, and I just recieved a big order from an online dealer the otherday. I will check the lfs in a day or two, should I be ok without them for a while? If the lights are still in place without them - will they stay in place?

No worries... I have a coralife fixture with the same rubber bands. Ran it 6 months between bulb changes without them once as they ALL broke when I was replacing bulbs. The next time I bought replacement bulbs, I just bought new bands (+ extras!) too. The clips will hold just fine - but it IS nice to have that extra piece of mind.

**roka64** · 07-09-2008, 09:17 AM

When I got my lighting fixture, one of them was broke. I haven't replaced it in a year and it is still attached. I even bought the rubber bands from drsfosterandsmith.com, part number 53050.

cmor1701d · 07-09-2008, 01:53 PM

I did the same as Kurt. I now have a few packets in stock for when I do a change. Every time I order bulbs I order another kit just in case. You can probably run fine without it, but I agree on the extra insurance. Coralife wouldn't use them if they didn't think there was a possibility of needing them.
These are HIGH HEAT retaining bands. Rubberbands won't last more than a few hours, if teh even last that long.

**melosu58** · 07-09-2008, 02:24 PM

Moved to General Hardware and equipment discussion.

07-08-2008, 10:42 PM	#1
JoshsReef Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Northern Kentucky Posts: 225	Routine water change, not so much ! So my normal routine water change turned out to be five hours long today when i decided to replace my bulbs in my power compact fixture. For starter some how i crack the plastic covering that covers up the lights. Since I dont cover my tank, and salt seems to somehow get all over my fixture i decided it would prob be a very bad idea to leave the fixture open. I ran to lowes and picked up a sheet of plexi glass, had to cut it, however it did all work out and I have that piece replaced now. So then I decided to take out the bulbs, low and behold I bust two of the eight rubberbands that keep the bulbs in place. I set the fixture up, the bulbs are in place and it doesnt look as if they are going to fall out. Do I need to replace these rubberbands or will I be ok. If I need to replace them will just a regular rubberband do?

07-08-2008, 10:57 PM	#3
Fluff Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: West Virginia Posts: 9,539 Images: 29	Are these what you need? Coralife Aqualight 4 High-Heat Silicon Retaining Bands (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Lighting > Accessories > Endcaps > Power Compact ) I've ordered dry goods many times from marinedepot.com and have been super happy each time. __________________ ~Cindy Join the W. MD/WV Regional Forum Here

07-09-2008, 09:17 AM	#8
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 10,245 Images: 12	When I got my lighting fixture, one of them was broke. I haven't replaced it in a year and it is still attached. I even bought the rubber bands from drsfosterandsmith.com, part number 53050. __________________ Uh-oh, I just overloaded my Bioload! Questions loved, heeded advice greatly appreciated! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

07-09-2008, 01:53 PM	#9
cmor1701d Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Belle Mead, NJ Posts: 3,733 Images: 43	I did the same as Kurt. I now have a few packets in stock for when I do a change. Every time I order bulbs I order another kit just in case. You can probably run fine without it, but I agree on the extra insurance. Coralife wouldn't use them if they didn't think there was a possibility of needing them. These are HIGH HEAT retaining bands. Rubberbands won't last more than a few hours, if teh even last that long. __________________ Click here to Vote for Aquarium Advice on AquaRank . Vote EVERY day! Click Here for a list of commonly used acronyms and abbreviations. ____ Cmor

07-09-2008, 02:24 PM	#10
melosu58 SW 10 yrs and over Community Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Richmond Va Posts: 12,007 Images: 73	Moved to General Hardware and equipment discussion. __________________ View My Tanks Click here to Visit FantasyReef

07-08-2008, 10:51 PM	#2
Innovator Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,172	What brand of fixture do you have? I've called Coralife before and they've sent me free bands; however, you can purchase bands for relatively little online or in a lfs. Call a few lfs to see what they have in stock

07-08-2008, 11:05 PM	#4
JoshsReef Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Northern Kentucky Posts: 225	I have a coralife fixture. Those are exactly the bands that I do need but I just cant see a reason to place an order for just that, and I just recieved a big order from an online dealer the otherday. I will check the lfs in a day or two, should I be ok without them for a while? If the lights are still in place without them - will they stay in place?

07-08-2008, 11:08 PM	#5
Innovator Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,172	They should stay in place as long as the clips are secure and snap in place until you can find replacement bands.

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